Public questions government proposals to reverse declining birth rate

Taipei, May 27 (CNA) Members of the public in New Taipei and Taoyuan expressed skepticism Wednesday, when asked by CNA reporters about measures proposed by President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) earlier that day to address Taiwan's declining birth rate, with many doubting the policies would be enough to encourage people to have children.

The proposals included extending maternity and paternity leave, providing an additional monthly subsidy of NT$5,000 (US$159) for children aged 17 and under, and encouraging workplaces to adopt more family-friendly practices.

• President Lai outlines proposals to address Taiwan's declining birth rate

In New Taipei, several mothers told CNA that the measures would not persuade them to have another child, saying the costs of raising children far exceeds the proposed subsidies. They cited additional pressures such as mortgages, childcare expenses and school pickup arrangements.

Some also pointed to shortages in daycare availability and inflexible pickup hours as major challenges for dual-income families.

Others said that while subsidies are welcome, higher wages and stronger workplace protections would be more effective. Some women expressed concern that having children could negatively affect their careers, particularly in workplaces lacking supportive cultures for women.

A woman surnamed Huang (黃) said women often shoulder significant physical and emotional burdens related to pregnancy, childbirth and childcare.

Meanwhile, a married woman surnamed Lee (李) argued that Taiwan's low birth rate is rooted in broader societal issues, including high housing prices, educational pressures and concerns about public safety.

Interviewees in Taoyuan voiced similar concerns, with many saying the issue is structural and cannot be solved simply by handing out money.

Several married respondents said raising children requires long-term commitment and significantly affects family life.

A married woman surnamed Chang (張) said the NT$5,000 subsidy could help lower-income households, but would not be enough to influence her own decision about having more children.

Some single respondents also questioned the effectiveness of the proposal.

A woman surnamed Wang (王) criticized the monthly subsidy plan as an inefficient use of taxpayer money, arguing that the government should instead focus on raising wages and easing the burden of housing costs for younger people.

A man surnamed Chen (陳) echoed the view, saying Taiwan's low birth rate stems from deeper structural problems within society.

Among those interviewed, only one married man, surnamed Yang (楊), expressed optimism about the proposals, saying the subsidy would be somewhat helpful and could encourage him and his wife to have children because they already liked the idea of raising a family.